Flavorful Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini
These antipasto skewers combine pillowy tortellini, salty olives, savory salami, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes on skewers, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 6 ounces thinly sliced salami
- 1 cup pitted mixed olives (kalamata and green olives)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Handful fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing or simple vinaigrette
- 6-inch wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Optional: roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
- While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, slice 6 ounces of salami into bite-size pieces, drain 1 cup of pitted mixed olives, tear fresh basil leaves, and drain 8 ounces of mozzarella balls.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with 1/4 cup of Italian dressing or vinaigrette. Stir gently to coat the pasta lightly without making it soggy.
- Thread ingredients onto each wooden skewer in this repeating order: tortellini, olive, salami fold, mozzarella ball, cherry tomato half, basil leaf. Repeat until the skewer is full but not overcrowded (about 4-5 pieces per skewer).
- Arrange the skewers on a platter and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld and keep cool. If serving immediately, add a quick splash of extra dressing over the top.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling or broiling to prevent burning. Toss tortellini in vinaigrette just before assembling to keep skewers fresh and not soggy. Skewers can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or pasta. For dairy-free, omit mozzarella or use vegan cheese alternatives. Avoid reheating skewers to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 skewers per
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: antipasto skewers, tortellini skewers, party appetizers, easy appetizers, Italian appetizers, crowd-pleaser, quick snacks